Evolution / Genetics / Biology

Intact tomb unearthed in Etruscan city of Vulci

A new excavation campaign by the archaeologists of the Fondazione Vulci has discovered an Etruscan tomb dating back to the end of the seventh century BC. The tomb is located in the Poggetto Mengarelli area, where 42 burials, some of which had been looted in the past, were found last year.

Credit: Comune Montalto di Castro

The tomb was opened this morning in Vulci by the scientific director of the Archaeological Park, Carlo Casi, in the presence of the Superintendent Alfonsina Russo, the delegate of the Municipality, Rita Goddi, and the President of the Vulci Foundation, Carmelo Messina.

Credit: Comune Montalto di Castro

The intact tomb, which contained ten ceramic vases, was located near an adjacent grave containing twelve richly decorated ceramic vases, a bronze dragon fibula and an iron spearhead, thought to belong to a warrior.

Credit: Comune Montalto di Castro

"This is a start to the important resumption of archaeological excavations in the Etruscan city", said Russo, "with the participation of the Superintendence, the municipality, the Vulci Foundation as well as Italian and foreign universities. It is hoped that Vulci can finally become an open-air research laboratory."